Rain submerges low-lying areas

Heavy rain between Monday and Tuesday night submerged several low-lying areas across the twin cities, while a pre-alert was issued as the water level in Nullah Leh rose to 10.5 feet, leaving residents fearful. Rainfall of up to 118 millimetres was recorded at various locations, causing substantial damage to residents' valuables as water inundated low-lying neighbourhoods. The rain began at 1:25am and inundated low-lying areas including Javed Colony, Nadeem Colony, Ariya Mohalla, Ziaul Haq Colony and several other localities. Residents of affected houses were forced to move to safer locations, while household belongings were damaged by the floodwater. The newly launched beautification project at Raja Bazaar also remained submerged, while water entered Murree Road, Liaquat Road, Commercial Market and dozens of other low-lying areas. Shamsabad received the highest rainfall at 118mm, followed by 81mm in Pirwadhai, 71mm in Bokra, 68mm each in Gowalmandi and Nawaz Katariyan, 50mm at Rawalpindi Kacheri and 24mm in Golra. A pre-alert was also issued over the risk of flooding in Katariyan and Gowalmandi. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and other relevant departments remained active in the field.